Former NFL player Scott Fujita has seen enough. He's tired of the bigotry. He wants it to end. He's not alone.

Players like Fujita, along with a coalition of current and former NFL players, and NFL team owners, a music mogul and others, are working diligently to create a safe atmosphere for the day history will happen: when an openly gay man will be a member of an NFL club. People like Fujita -- brave people -- are attempting to make the issue a non-issue for when that day comes.

And there are serious indications that day may come sooner than later. While I've long believed I would not see an openly gay NFL player for decades, that might be wrong.

Based on interviews over the past several weeks with current and former players, I'm told that a current gay NFL player is strongly considering coming out publicly within the next few months -- and after doing so, the player would attempt to continue his career.

I'm told this player feels the time is now for someone to take this step -- despite homophobic remarks from San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver and the controversy arising recently at the Indianapolis Scouting combine, when prospects were asked questions about their sexuality.

This player's true concern, I'm told, is not the reaction inside an NFL locker room but outside of it. The player fears he will suffer serious harm from homophobic fans, and that is the only thing preventing him from coming out. My sources will not say who this alleged player is.

There has never been an active openly gay player in a major American team sport, but the information I've gathered on the player in question comes from several current and former players.

"I honestly think the players of the NFL have been ready for an openly gay player for quite some time now," said Fujita, a free agent linebacker who has played for the Chiefs, Cowboys, Saints and Browns. "Trust me, the coming out of a player would create much bigger waves outside the locker room than inside. The way I've seen the conversation around LGBT issues evolve, especially in the past few years, has been encouraging. Guys are more accepting than they used to be. Even those who raise personal objections to homosexuality, some of whom are good friends of mine, would still be able to coexist and accept a gay teammate."

Over the past few days there's been a flurry of activity on the issue including a brief filed by Fujita and others in support of a marriage equality case before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear oral arguments on California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. Opponents of the proposition say it discriminates against gay men and women.

To Fujita and others, this is an important case that could have ramifications in the NFL. If the Supreme Court overturns Proposition 8, it would send yet another signal to closeted gay NFL players that the environment is changing for the better.

There is a feeling among people who have fought this battle for years that a corner is about to be turned. I don't know. While my faith in humanity remains tepid, it's balanced by my faith in people like Fujita.

“I’m told that a current gay NFL player is strongly considering coming out publicly within the next few months...”

There will be a direct correlation between the quality of his play and the criticism her receives. If he is one of the best players at his position, he will be well respected by fans, coaches and other players. If he is mediocre, he will be criticized by many.

I don't think many fans, coaches or players will care much, regardless of how good he is. But if this happens, there will be a mediagasm the likes of which we've never seen, and the facts will quickly become irrelevant to those writing as the story takes on its own life.

Please notice that I did not mention media along with players, coaches and fans.

There will be some media who hype his play for a few games and if the hype is deserved, he will continue to receive media attention. A few too many fumbles, interceptions, missed tackles, missed field goals and he will be forgotten.

Perform well in the NFL and no one is going to care what you do off the field.

There will be some media who hype his play for a few games and if the hype is deserved, he will continue to receive media attention. A few too many fumbles, interceptions, missed tackles, missed field goals and he will be forgotten.

I disagree. It won't matter to the media what he does on the field. All that will matter to them is what he does off the field. He will become their poster child and they won't let the story drop anytime soon.

I think we agree what the reaction of most fans, players and coaches is likely to be.

If one does, it’s not going to be a third string special teams player. It better be a big name, because if not, he’ll be cut really quickly.

There’s 52 men on a NFL roster. And to be honest, 42 of them are easily replaceable. Matter of fact, there’s a line a mile long waiting to take their place. And a new crop of recruits come around every year.

NFL=Not For Long

If you come out, it’s going to be a Terrel Owens type distraction from your team. And the entire team is going to blame you. So if you do come out, you better be irreplaceable.

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